The Hoofprint - Issue 1 - September 2010

23 SEPTEMBER 2010

Welcome

BACK

A return to knowledge KELSEYHANE Staff Writer

She can trace it all back to February.

Junior Stephanie Catton was getting double vision - most noticeably during lacrosse - and extremely strong, painful headaches that would not go away. Doctors originally thought that the problems were with her vision, but they quickly learned that her eyes were not to blame.

“They sent me to a bunch of vision specialists who couldn’t find anything wrong, so they sent me to go get an MRI,” explained Catton, “They found out that it was a brain tumor causing my double vision since February. I could hardly see.”

She was admitted to Children’s Hospital later that day on May 14.

“I’m usually a happy person, but I cried a lot that day,” said Catton. “I feared that I would lose memories, but luckily I still have them. I tried to hope for the best, even though I knew it was all going to change.”

The major surgery for Catton served to remove the tumor altogether, though three additional surgeries were needed.

“The surgeries were really scary,” explained Catton, “After them, I felt sick - it was hard to eat and my incisions were sore. But I don’t remember anything from surgery, it’s basically a blank memory. ” Immediately after the surgery, Catton was having trouble with short term memory, which is common for brain surgery patients. She was tired, which made it hard for her to do everyday things like brushing her hair and walking.

“Nothing seemed different in the way she acted, but everything tired her out quicker than it normally would,” explained Junior Emily Teetzel, who visited Catton in the hospital, “The left side of her body was very weak, including her face. When she put a sweater on I had to help her and lift her arm because she couldn’t move it herself.”

Catton started physical therapy after she was released from the hospital, three times a week, though now she only goes twice a week. Therapy included walking and stretching exercises along with occupational therapy to work on her short term memory.

“I’m able to look at life differently,” explained Catton, “I can appreciate everything I have more and appreciate being healthy again. I’m still the same Stephanie in someways but different in others.”

Catton is excited about getting back to the things she really loves such as school full time.

“I’m excited to get back to tennis,” said Catton, “The doctors finally cleared me to run again. They also said I can drive again, which I am excited for, because they gave me a handicap sticker so I can park really close now.”

2

Freshman take charge Ninth grade Transitions Class prepares 48 freshmen to be leaders at the high school level

T H E

HOOFPRINT 23 SEP 2010

VOLUME 42 ISSUE 1

Editors-in-Chief: Valerie Ostvig & Mitch Budde

DELANEYFREER News Editor

News Editors: Olivia Wyatt & Delaney Freer

Change can be a difficult experience. This is true for every eighth grade student who moves up to the ninth grade. They are moving from being the oldest at the middle school to the youngest at the high school. To help make the shift easier for students, Buffalo High School offered a class for incoming freshmen. The students are picked by teachers, administrators, and counselors who believe they’d benefit from the class. This two week long course met in August and was taught by English Teacher Ryan McCallum and Spanish Teacher Nancy Eiynck.

“I took this class to get a head start,” explained freshman Bryce Bishop.

“I want to be able to be a leader and help other kids find their classes or sign up for activities.”

The days began with the students writing in their journals about the theme of the day, followed by “The Circle of Power and Respect.” There they all sat in a circle and shared their thoughts on the theme of that day.

Afterwards they had different activities, such as scavenger hunts and building marshmallow towers.

“It was nice getting close to the teachers,” said freshman Deserae Peterson. “I’m not afraid of not knowing where things are anymore either.”

The students were given the opportunity to talk to a panel of upperclassmen, who shared their experiences at BHS. The freshmen could ask the upperclassmen any questions they had about their upcoming years at the high school. The students also visited Parkview and Lakeridge nursing homes. They practiced their interviewing skills by asking the residents about their life stories.

The majority of the day was spent together as a large group, but other times they separated into two groups. McCallum lead a book read on Tuesdays with Morrie, and Einyck taught the students basic Spanish and lessons about Culture. They also separated by genders and had discussions about school issues.

“I think this class helped the students to see the high school through different eyes,” said Eiynck. “They saw the impact they could make. It also helped me to see the school through their eyes, I’m now more aware of how students feel about entering the high school.”

To close, the class always returned to the circle where they talked about the question of the day. They did an activity called Whip, where they went around the circle and each person shared their throughts on a question. If someone talked when it wasn’t their turn, the whole group had to start over again. It only happened once to this group on the last day.

“My favorite part was meeting all the older kids that helped out,” said Bishop. “It’s cool to know they’ll have your back in high school.”

Opinion Editors: Colm Macnab & Kaelie Lund Sports Editors: Beth Leipholtz Activities Editors: Michelle Hansmann Arts & Entertainment Editors: Kayla Schimmele & Kala Czanstkowski Features Editors: Sadie Holland, Hope Mueller & Madalyn Nones Spotlight Editors: Nick Weeks & Caroline Persons Photography Editors: Nina Downer, Megan Ask, Michael Swearingen & Andrew Pierre Photo Story: Kelsey Hane Staff Writers: Kaelie Lund, Beth Macnab & Liza Davis Graphics/Front Page: Nick Weeks Adviser: Ryan McCallum The Hoofprint is the official studentproduced newspaper of Buffalo High School.

It is published monthly during the school year.

Letters to the editors and guest columns are welcome. Letters must be typed and signed with the author’s name, year in school, and contact information for verification. The Hoofprint reserves the right to edit obscene and potentially libelous material. All letters become property of The Hoofprint and will not be returned.

Opinions contained within this issue reflect the viewpoint of the author only and do not represent the opinions of The Hoofprint staff or the staff and administration of Buffalo High School.

The Hoofprint is printed at the Wright Country Journal Press. Our production office is located in Room A-209. The editorial office phone number is (763)682-8162. Our mailing address is Buffalo High School, 877 Bison Blvd, Buffalo, Minn., 55313. Emails should be sent to mail@hoofprint.net.

More news and information about Buffalo High School can be found online at hoofprint. net.

THE HOOFPRINT

23 SEPTEMBER 2010

NEWS

Gaining a host sister KAELIELUND Opinions Editor Day 1: We wait anxiously at the airport with a huge sign with “FLORE BOIVIN” emblazoned in glitter.

After she arrives, we go to Chipotle for her first “American meal.” There, we talk with the manager, and he finds out that this is her very first restaurant in America. Smiling, he crumples our receipt and tosses it over his shoulder, welcoming my new sister to America and letting us walk away with $30 in food.

Junior Kaelie Lund recalls her experiences hosting a French student.

entire time she

Day 3: Flore is amazed by the enormity of American servings and containers. She stares wide-eyed at our gallons of milk, and tubs of butter, muttering, “You’re crazy!” She tries pancakes and maple syrup for the first time, and we see a baseball game, the St. Paul Saints. She sits patiently through it, and later asks me, “...What was the point?” I laugh.

was

here.

Left: Sophomore Kaelie Lund and her exchange student Flore got chinese food at her favoite place, Aloha.

Bottom Left: They were being Silly at Wal-Mart and rode around on the shopping carts Bottom Right: They got to hold two baby lemurs at a zoo in Michigan

Day 15: My mom and dad take off work and we head up to our cabin, six hours away, for canoeing/ kayaking, s’mores and sitting on the deck in the morning, wrapped in a blanket with a steaming cup of coffee waaaaay too early to watch the sunrise.

Day 21: These past three weeks have gone incredibly fast. My mom and I leave Flore at the airport with the other Frenchies, some clinging to their new American girlfriend/boyfriend, some saying goodbye to their families, others just sitting, looking exhausted. I hug my sister one last time then my mom and I walk towards the doors. I turn around just once and she watches us walk away. She quietly smiles and I do my best to smile before I turn away so she can’t see me tearing up.

Day 4: We go to our church, and Flore is completely lost throughout the service. She turns to me a few times quizzically but I promise to explain after. Towards the end, the congregation begins to pray The Lord’s Prayer.

Even though she didn’t understand the English translation, through the rhythm of our words, she knew what we were saying. And she began praying in French. This was possibly the coolest experience of the

Campfires, friends and summer

Students share summer camp memories of new friendships, sports, and squirrels.

Left: Junior Jack Becker attempts to run after spinning in circles during a rodeo relay at Lone Tree Bible Ranch.

Below: Senior Kendra Durst jumps out of the water troff after being thrown in by Cody Ling, a tradition at Lone Tree Bible Ranch.

NINADOWNER

LIZADAVIS Spotlight Editor

NINADOWNER

Above: Senior Calli Durst plays the guitar while sittin g at Horse Shoe Creek, a park that she visited while at Lone Tree Bible Ranch .

Below: Senior Kendra Durst tries to untie a bandana from a goat during a rodeo activity at Lone Tree Bible Ranch

NINADOWNER

Senior Courtney Bjorklund and Sophomore Britta Oden run back to the finish line after tying a bandana on their goat in a rodeo relay at Lone Tree Bible Ranch

3

NINADOWNER NINADOWNER

THE HOOFPRINT

The word “summer” evokes different images for all of us. For about 11 million children and teenagers in the US, summer is anticipated for one simple word that leads to many treasured memories- camp.

Summer camps are as varied as the people that attend them. But the common theme, no matter where the summer days are spent, is the deep bonds you form with those you meet there.

“It was super fun; I spent all morning and all afternoon at the corral,” said Junior Beth Macnab, who spent two weeks at Camp Olson in Longville for a horseback riding program. “But one of the best parts about camp was just making friends.

Friendships form quickly and after only a few days everyone is tightly knit. There aren’t any cliques. It’s just a good experience all the time.”

Senior Nick Weeks attended yearbook camp at St. John’s University. Attendees specialized in one aspect of yearbookmaking; for Weeks, this was photography.

“I had my camera out 24/7, taking pictures of everything,” he recalled. “I creeped on people while they were eating. I got up at five in the morning to walk around for hours just looking for good shots. I even took pictures of a dead squirrel I saw in the road.”

In the small town of Glendo, Wyoming lies Lone Tree Bible Ranch. Every sum-

23 SEPTEMBER 2010

mer about 70 people from Buffalo attend.

Between chapel, small group, and underground church (a covert service, as if it was held in a country oppressive against their religion), those who went grew in their faith.

They also enjoyed ranch activities and sports.

“Volleyball was awesome,” said Junior Eric Selchow. “But the best part of the week was just getting closer to God. Being surrounded by a bunch of other firm believers with no distractions really helps.”

Though the social scene of Buffalo holds some tightly, summer camps provide diverse experiences with a common element -- leaving home behind for a few days or weeks and letting yourself be changed by the people you meet.

Above: Sophomores Luke Lingo and Vaughn Jundt get ready for a rodeo relay. A tradition on the last night of the Lone Tree trip.

Left: Eric Selchow gets ready to spike in an intense game of volley ball at Lone Tree Bible Ranch

FEATURES

Constant change is here to stay...“

The Doctor is in

Login Required

After a long process of elimination Dr. Thielman was selected to be our district’s Superintendent BETHMACNAB Staff Writer

On June 4, 2010, Dr. Scott Thielman was chosen out of three final candidates to become the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school district’s new superintendent.

The process began on June 1 when the BHM school board selected and interviewed six candidates to replace Dr. Jim Bauck as superintendent. Dr. Bauck left the 877 school district to the Eastern Carver County School District in Chaska, Minnesota. After many interviews and school tours, a sub-section of the board narrowed down the group to three qualified aspirants. Members of the board, school staff, and the community then conferenced with the applicants and, after much consideration, the new superintendent was chosen: Dr. Scott Thielman.

BHMSCHOOLS

Thielman has been a superintendent for eight years in Kimball and Albany, Minnesota. He was also a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He’s worked with the SEE (schools for equity in education), and the Academic Wall of Honor in Albany. The school board has expressed that he will be a strong leader and is committed to doing what’s best for our students, and he will bring a great deal of experience to the Buffalo school district.

or

“Change can be scary,” said board member Melissa Brings, “especially when Superintendent Bauck was so successful with our district. But Thielman is not the kind of leader to come in and change the way our district looks or operates, but rather continue to build off the great things we have in place and make them even better.”

Principal Mark Mischke, agrees.

“There are no foreseeable changes in policy yet,” Mischke said, “as this is his first year. He’ll spend most of his time just gathering information about our district.”

Thielman has stated that he is excited to work in a school with such a well rounded educational program, with Buffalo’s tradition for balance in the fine arts, athletics and extra-curricular activities.

“I will be attending community events throughout the year,” said Thielman, “and look forward to meeting parents, students, staff and community members.”

Access Denied Due to Filtering “We should all be aware that the school board has established a policy that defines what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable uses of the district’s technology resources for all users. This Acceptable Use Policy applies to all students and staff.”

Beth Macnab and Liza Davis

Staff writers

New to the district this year is a system on the school’s Internet server that keeps track of who goes where on the Internet.

This new tool requires you to log in with your school ID whenever the Internet is accessed. Once the computer knows who is logging in, it not only allows administrators to make sure that the Internet is being used appropriately, but it sets limits for what a student could access versus what a staff member may need to view. Sites that teachers use for grades, for example, are blocked from students.

shouldn’t be, we can deal with them without jeopardizing Internet usage for all students.”

Last year, if there was ever a problem with Internet usage concerning a single student, the server was shut off for the entire school.

With the new system, administrators can easily locate and punish the culprit while still allowing Internet access for the rest of the school.

“Now, students can only see what students need.”

-Principal Mark Mischke

The Sport: Lacrosse

The system is equal parts organization and security, according to Principal Mark Mischke.

“Before, we were never able to tell who was logging on to what,” Mischke said. “Now, students can only see what students need. Plus, if a student goes somewhere on the Internet they

If a student accesses the Internet through an iPod or cell phone, they still need to log in through the school server and the tracking is applied. It’s not out of the norm for schools to have systems such as this, says Mischke. Administrators are still working out the kinks as far as practicality, but overall the new system has not shown any significant problems.

It doesn’t bother me that they know where I’m going because the websites I’m going on are all schoolapproved. It’s not that much of an inconvenience either; I’m a fast typer.

“

I think it’s kind of dumb because you already have to log in to use the computer anyway. Plus most of the time you’re in a computer lab with a teacher who can monitor where you are [on the Internet.]

”

-Senior Crystal Cashin

The future of education

School budget allows for classrooms to catch up with existing school equipment.

NICKWEEKS

The Goal: Raise $22,000 to become a school team

NATESPANIER Staff Writer

LIZADAVIS Spotlight Editor

The Buffalo Lacrosse teams and Ford held a test drive to raise money for the Lacrosse club to become a school sponsored sport on Saturday from 8am-5pm.Ford gave $20 to the Lacrosse team for every person who took a test drive in a new Ford, in addition to being eligible to win a new laptop.

For the new school year, every classroom has been equipped with an LCD projector mounted on the ceiling. The projectors can act as a tool to display things such as video clips or online curriculums to the class.

Usage of the projectors vary from teacher to teacher based on comfort level.

This is one of many fund-raisers held in order to reach the goal of $22,000 for the Lacrosse teams. The team also raised funds through an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at Angino’s in Buffalo.

“At the moment, certain teachers may use the projectors more than others just because they feel more comfortable working with technology,” said Principal Mark Mischke. “But the hope is that as time goes on, all teachers will utilize the projectors fully.”

“There was a huge turn out,” said Senior Kelsey Hane, “over 400 people attended.”

In the beginning of August, a dunk tank helped earn money for the team.

Having projectors in the classrooms allows lessons to be more interactive and engaging for students. Rather than being crowded around one small computer screen or wasting time trying to get a PowerPoint to show on the TV screen, the projectors display a nice, clear picture with little accessibility concerns.

The Buffalo Lacrosse club needs to earn $22,000 before October 1 to become a school sanctioned sport. As a school sanctioned sport Lacrosse will be funded by the school in addition to being officially recognized as a team by the MSHSL. As an official team they will be allowed to participate in MSHSL Lacrosse League.

NICKWEEKS

4&5

”

-Junior Christian Frederickson

THE HOOFPRINT

23 SEPTEMBER 2010

“Education is becoming more and more electronics-oriented,” said Mischke. “Some teachers are already using electronic tools such as SMARTBoards. The projectors can act as a gateway tool to using other technology to help with learning.”

MEGANASK

FEATURES

Controversy at Ground Zero

According to TIME Magazine...

61% of Americans are opposed to the mosque near ground zero

26% of Americans

Student reflects on the current situation surrounding the ground zero Mosque.

NATESPAINER Staff Writer

The prevention of the mosque takes away the constitutional rights of freedom of religion, in addition to supporting racism and Islamophobia. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks discrimination against Muslims skyrocketed. Seventy-six percent of all young Muslims surveyed by Zogby International say they have been personally discriminated against. The average wage of Muslims decreased by over 10% since 2000. Thirty-nine percent of USA TODAY readers said they would like all Muslims to be required by law to carry a special ID. It is fortunate that so far in this debate no violence has occurred, but as the protests heat up things may change. Many people opposed to building the mosque claim that it would be insensitive and supportive of terrorist groups, despite the fact that the average Muslim’s affiliation to Hamas and Al-Qaeda is no more than that of the average Christian to the Ku-Klux-Klan. Unless we as a nation learn tolerance and understanding, we will no longer be “the land of the free.”

Hate speech and discrimination are on the rise after a mosque was proposed a mere two blocks from Ground Zero. Protests and rallies are being held daily to both attack and defend the construction of the mosque. Supporters rally for religious freedom and anti-bigotry, while opposition centers around generalizations and Nazi Germany references.

President Barack Obama said in an interview that he believes that Muslims have every right to build the mosque, but he isn’t sure whether now is a good time to do so. With the wounds caused by 9/11 still fresh in many peoples’ minds, the potential building of the mosque angers some whose lives have been affected directly by the tragedies.

If the mosque was to be built, it would include a performing arts center, a swimming pool, a gym, and many other public spaces. It would be more of a community center than a mosque, a fact which those against it ignore.

Do you vote for that cute guy from the football team? How about that band geek? What about that cheerleader? There is also that really hot girl. What does she do again?

What makes a homecoming king or queen worthy of being crowned? In the past, homecoming kings and queens have been picked by what sports they play, who and where they hang out, and, most of all, how good they look.

How can you vote if you don’t know anyone? Who do you chose?

According to Bill Lampton PhD. Author of Complete Communication, it takes seven to seventeen seconds to make a first impression. That is seven seconds to make a choice on who you want to be your homecoming king and queen.

6

depending on how he or she looks or behaves.

What do you pick hot girl or the girl that makes school a better place next year? Is it the popular football player or is it the guy who plays the tuba? For underclassmen, the chances are that you will pick the person who made the strongest first impression on you, especially when they were announced as candidates.

Homecoming is a popularity contest, like it or not. The one who is in the most rings of friends and looks the best will win homecoming king and queen. You could meet every single Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior and still not win homecoming King or Queen.

Is it a popularity contest or is it the person who has the most impact on the school?

70% of Americans

feel that the building of the mosque would be an insult to the victims of 9/11

28% of voters

And the Homecoming King and Queen are...

NICKWEEKS Cover design

are for the mosque near ground zero

believe that Muslims should not be eligible to be an U.S. supreme court justice

33% of Americans

70% of students weren’t think Muslims should sure of who the person be ineligible to run for President. they voting for was 30% of students knew the person they were voting for

THE HOOFPRINT

23 SEPTEMBER 2010

24% of Americans mistake Obama as a Muslim

OPINIONS

More than a Game

First Annual Jon Kramnic alumni game raises money for soccer scholarships

included a pork chop dinner, dunk tank, and a silent auction. Teachers Nick Guida and Emily Greeley, Principal Mark Mischke, and Soccer The Varsity Soccer team took on a team of Alumni in the first Coach Steve Doimer were among the targets in the dunk tank.

Volunteers of all ages donated their day annual Jon Kramnic Alumni Classic Soccer game on August 19 at Cummings Field. “It was a real honor to be a part to the various parts of the event.

An Alumni team facing a current BHS Hundreds of people attended to celebrate Jon’s life and benefit next year Jon Kramnic of it. Anything I could do to be soccer team has been an annual tradition for Soccer Scholarship. brought closer to the game eight years. This is the first year is has been Over $1500 was raised through the Jon loved so much I would do.” done with a greater purpose.

“I had no Idea what I was doing,” said event.

Alumni Coach Tucker Vogt, “But it was a real Kramnic, a member of the class of honor to be a part of it. Anything I could do 2010, was killed last November when his -Alumni Coach Tucker Vogt to be brought closer to game Jon loved so car was struck by a drunk driver. He was a much I would do.” lifelong soccer player and a member of last Donations from all members of the community made this game year’s varsity squad.

A wave of blue swept over the event as spectators purchased and possible, and future contributions will go twords the Jon Kramnic Soccer wore the 2010 Jon Kramnic t-shirts, and wristbands. Pregame activities Scholarship.

PRENTICEBASTEN Staff Writter

Photos by NICKWEEKS

7

THE HOOFPRINT

24 SEPTEMBER 2010

NEWS

2

1. Senior James Laskey keeps an intense gaze as the band marches on. 2. Junior Alisha Cole jokes around before the Hanover Parade.

3. Senior Brittany Downs holds her flag high.

4. Herd members try to lay on the ground in the shapes of letters without using verbal communication during a bonding activity. ”Instead of making an ‘H,’ [the clarinets] all sort of just flopped down where they were standing,” said Senior Kassandra Williams.

“Rabehl and [Director Andrew] Richter were laughing so hard, and they were like, ‘Aww man!

I wish you guys could see how ridiculous this looks!’” Photo courtesy of Band Aide Lori Smith.

5. Clarinet players keep their rank in line using peripheral vision.

1

STOPPING FOR NOTHING 2

...except trains

The Herd Marching Band completed a successful season with focus, teamwork and perseverance

3 5 8

4

CAROLINEPERSONS Spotlight Editor They stood in black wool, their shoulders back, the ballad,” said Sophomore Sarah Brainerd. “A golf torsos tall, and eyes staring ahead. A distinct silence cart was going up the street towards the honor guard. hung in the middle of the street as the drum majors The honor guard kept marching forward, refusing to raised their hands. On cue came the sound of drums, move out of the way for the golf cart. They pushed it at first soft but then strong with a fierce crescendo. up the street. Then we had to stop for the train while The Herd marching band had prepared since still doing our show.”

April to perform their show “Kinesis.” They met five The Herd took first place at the Isanti parade days straight for Sweat Camp to learn about marching, with a score of 87.6, also winning Best Drumline, the music and how to work efficiently as a group. Best Colorguard, Best Music General Effect, Best Hours were spent in the parking Music Execution, Best Marching lot on “The Grinder”,” which General Effect and Best “You’re just in the sometimes provided unique Marching Execution. They also challenges. moment. You call tell earned their highest score ever at “It was actually quite chilly, the notorious Alexandria parade because sometimes with a score of 81.36. Yet for and there were 30 mph wind gusts,” said Freshman Nick many, the audience’s experience it feels like you’re Soden. “We were at the last part was more important than the daydreaming, but of the show and all of a sudden judge’s. the wind blew so hard that you “While we were marching you’re not. You’re could see everyone’s hats fly off down the street, I was pretty darn and it was so hard to march. We listening to the music proud of the band that I was a were spinning. We had to stop it part of,” said Senior Kassandra all around you.” and we got water and then some Williams. “Everybody is just -Senior Nicole Peterson of the sousaphones were blowing so professional, and at some away.” parades, it’s like, ‘Bam! We’re Members must strive for precision with every gonna rock it today, even when we’re just marching move, whether the wind barrels them backward or forward. Why? Because we can.’” they are standing at attention in the sun. Each minute After each show, members would rip off their detail must be uniform and perfect, from the angle at jackets and gulp down Gatorade, eager to change which people hold their instruments to the angle their into cooler attire back on the bus. Written on toes make with the street during a step. If an audience their shirts was “Mutatis Mutandis,” Latin for “the member is in their path, the band must maintain their necessary changes having been made.” Having spent unit, even if they must march right into them. countless hours beneath the sun fine-tuning their “At the Isanti parade, while we were playing for every move, The Herd could sit on the grass and the judges, a train went through while we were playing enjoy the payoff.

THE HOOFPRINT

SEPTEMBER 23 2010

SPOTLIGHT